Asham Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Somerset |
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| Coordinates | 51°12′45″N 2°25′25″W / 51.21244°N 2.42371°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 140.6 ha (347 acres) |
| Notification | 1963 |
Asham Wood is a special natural area covering about 140.6-hectare (347-acre) (which is like 347 football fields!). It's located east of Downhead and south of Leigh-on-Mendip in the beautiful Mendip Hills in Somerset, England. This area was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1963 because of its amazing plants and animals.
Asham Wood is the biggest and most varied of the old, natural woodlands in the Mendips. A stream flows through it all year, feeding Chantry Pond to the east. People have worked hard to protect this wood from activities like quarrying, which can harm the environment.
Contents
What Makes Asham Wood Special?
Asham Wood stretches across two deep valleys and the flat land between them. Most of the rocks underground are Carboniferous Limestone and Shales, which are types of rock that contain calcium. However, older rocks from the Devonian period, called Portishead Beds, can be seen along the northern valley. These different rock types help create a home for many unusual plants and animals.
A Home for Wildlife
The wood is known for its unique collection of plants and animals. It's a great place to find species that aren't common elsewhere.
Protecting the Dormice
One of the special animals living here is the dormouse. To help these small, sleepy creatures, people have set up 50 special boxes for them to nest in. They also use a method called coppicing, which involves cutting trees close to the ground to encourage new growth. This helps create a better habitat for dormice. Scientists regularly check these boxes and count the dormice to make sure they are doing well.
Protecting the Environment
Asham Wood has faced challenges from nearby quarrying, which is the process of digging out stone from the ground. Many people and groups have worked to protect the wood from these activities. Their goal is to make sure this important natural area stays safe and healthy for all its plants and animals.
